Ministry of National Health Services-WHO Joint Statement on CHIKUNGUNYA

December 19, 2016

Islamabad, the 19th December,Ministry of National Health Services-WHO Joint Statement on CHIKUNGUNYA There have been unconfirmed reports of the presence of Chikungunya virus in Karachi, Sindh, especially in the areas of Malir.

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Department of Health of the Sindh Province jointly with the World Health Organization in Pakistan are working closely in the wake of these unconfirmed reports and carrying out epidemiological investigations.

However, while the investigations continue, this is to clarify that no case of Chikungunya Virus has yet been confirmed till date and any information circulated with regard to confirmation of any case is incorrect and misleading. It is of paramount importance that the public and the health care providers be adequately informed about the risk associated with all illnesses of epidemic potential.

In the case of Chikungunya, the following information must be conveyed: (1) Although there are serological evidence of a historical presence of thevirus in Pakistan, there is at this time no evidence of any nested transmission of Chikungunya in the country2) Imported cases can always appear as for any disease, but such importation, once early detected, would not cause any significant damage to public health3)

The Chikungunya virus pertains to the same family of viruses (these-called “arboviruses”) family, as dengue, but is known among the three for causing the least harm to health4) Being transmitted by the same mosquito (Aedes Aegypti) as Dengue,the measures that are already in place for controlling dengue are identical to the ones that would be needed to control any surge of Chikungunya transmission.5)

Epidemiological investigation supported by laboratory confirmations being under taken by the health authorities Equally critical, is to remind that an External Evaluation Mission of Experts mandated by the WHO Regional Committee of the Eastern Mediterranean Region has concluded, in a recently released Report, that Pakistan both at federal and provincial levels is well prepared to respond to any epidemic event.

The assessment has been conducted in all provinces andhas been technically reviewed the 19 areas of capacities required by International Health Regulation (IHR, 2005). Pakistan is thus in conformity with IHR requirements. In the particular case of Chikungunya, the MNHSR&C and WHO PAK wish to highlight that diagnostic capacities exist within the National Institute of Health and that additional testing supplies will be made available to eventually absorb any further testing demand.

In conclusion, this statement is intended to restore proper messaging about current situation with regard to Chikungunya virus in Pakistan. More advisory and technical information on the Chikungunya virus and appending individual and collective measure are available at: Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination websitewww.nhsrc.gov.pk and WHO websitehttp://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs327/en/saji